CHAPTER FIVE - Appalachian State University



CHAPTER FOUR

MOVEMENT

4-1. GENERAL. To survive on the battlefield, stealth, dispersion, and security must be enforced in all tactical movements. The leader must be skilled in all movement techniques.

a. Definition of Formations. Formations are arrangements of elements and soldiers in relation to each other. Squads use formations for control based on a METT-TC analysis. Leaders are where they can best control formations. This allows the fire team leader to lead by example, “Follow me and do as I do.” All soldiers in the team must be able to see their leader (see figure 4-1).

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Figure 4-1: FIRE TEAM FORMATIONS

b. Techniques. A movement technique is the manner a unit uses to traverse terrain. There are three movement techniques: traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch. The selection of a movement technique is based on the likelihood of enemy contact and the need for speed. Factors to consider for each technique are control, dispersion, speed, and security. Movement techniques are not fixed formations. They refer to the distances between soldiers, teams, and squads that vary based on mission, enemy, terrain, visibility, and any other factor that affects control. Soldiers must be able to see his fire team leaders. The platoon leader should be able to see his lead squad leader. Leaders control movement with arm-and-hand signals and use radios only when needed.

c. Standards.

(1) Unit moves on designated route or arrives at specified location IAW OPORD maintaining accountability of all assigned/attached personnel.

(2) Unit uses movement formation and technique ordered by the leader based on METT-TC.

(3) Leaders remain oriented (within 200m) and follow planned route unless METT-TC dictates otherwise.

(4) Unit will maintain 360 degree security and a 100% alert during movement.

(5) Unit maintains 360 degree security and a minimum of 75% security during halts.

(6) If contact with the enemy is made, it is made with the smallest element possible.

(7) Control measures are used during movement (head counts, rally points, phase lines, etc.).

d. Fundamentals.

(1) Have men who can navigate. Preparations are worthless if the objective cannot be found in time, or if the patrol is compromised because it is run into during movement. Plan to use at least two compass and pace men per patrol. NOTE: The element point man must not be tasked to perform compass or pace duties. The point man’s sole responsibility is forward security for the element.

(2) Avoid Detection: Patrols must use stealth, and use the cover and concealment of the terrain to its maximum advantage. Whenever possible, move during limited visibility in order to maximize technological advantages gained by night vision devices and to hinder the enemy’s ability to detect the patrol. Exploit the enemy’s weaknesses, and attempt to time movements to coincide with other operations that are distracting the enemy.

(3) Maintain Constant Security: The patrol must use both active and passive security measures constantly. Give men or subunits responsibility for security enroute, at danger areas, at patrol bases, and most importantly in the objective area.

(4) Plan for Use of Support Fires: Plan for fire support, (artillery, tactical air, attack helicopter, naval gunfire) even if you think it may not be needed during movement.

(5) The enemy situation determines which of the three movement techniques will be used. When contact is not likely: TRAVELING; when possible: TRAVELING OVERWATCH; expected: BOUNDING OVERWATCH. Squads/platoons will usually move with traveling overwatch.

(6) In open terrain, keep men widely dispersed. When enemy contact is possible, have one fire team well forward and overwatch with the other fire team. Assign duties for the movement.

(7) Fire teams maintain visual contact, but the distance between them is such that the entire patrol does not become engaged if contact is made. Fire teams can spread their formations as necessary to gain better observation to the flanks. Although widely spaced, men retain their relative position in their wedge and follow their team leader. Only in extreme situations should the file be used.

(8) The lead squad must secure the front along with assuming responsibility for navigation. For a long movement, the PL may rotate the lead squad’s responsibilities. The fire team/squad in the rear is charged with rear security.

(9) Vary movement techniques to meet the changing situation.

(10) With the exception of fire team leaders, leadership moves inside their formation where they can maintain the best control.

e. Movement techniques.

(1) Traveling. The traveling is used when enemy contact is not likely but speed is necessary. In the traveling technique, the distance between individuals is about 10 meters with 20 meters between squads. It has the following characteristics:

(a) More control than traveling overwatch but less than bounding overwatch.

(b) Minimum dispersion.

(c) Maximum speed.

(d) Minimum security.

(2) Traveling Overwatch. The traveling overwatch is used when enemy contact is possible. The traveling overwatch technique is the basic movement technique.

(a) The distance between individuals is about 20 meters, between teams about 50 meters

(b) In platoon traveling overwatch, the lead squad must be far enough ahead of the rest of the platoon to detect or engage any enemy before the enemy observes or fires on the main body. However, it must be close enough to be supported by the platoon’s small arm’s fires. This is normally between 50 to 100 meters, depending on terrain, vegetation, and light and weather conditions.

(c) In a column formation, only the lead squad should use the traveling overwatch; however, if greater dispersion is desired, all squads may use it.

(d) In other formations, all squads use traveling overwatch unless the platoon leader specifies not to.

(e) Traveling overwatch has the following characteristics:

1. Good control

2. Good dispersion

3. Good speed

4. Good security forward

(3) Bounding Overwatch (Figure 4-1). The bounding overwatch is used when enemy contact is likely, or when crossing a danger area.

(a) In the bounding overwatch technique, the distance between men remains approximately 20 meters. The distance between teams and squads varies.

(b) The squad or platoon has a bounding element and an overwatch element. The bounding element moves while the overwatch element occupies an overwatch position that can cover the route of the bounding element by fire. Each bound is within supporting range of the overwatch element.

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Figure 4-1. Squad Bounding Overwatch

(c) The length of a bound depends on the terrain, visibility, and control.

(d) Before a bound, the leader gives the following instructions to his subordinates:

1. Direction of the enemy if known

2. Position of overwatch elements

3. Next overwatch position

4. Route of the bounding element

5. What to do after the bounding element reaches the next position

6. How the elements receive follow-on orders

(e) The characteristics of bounding overwatch are:

1. Maximum control

2. Maximum dispersion

3. Minimum speed

4. Maximum security

f. Platoon Bounding Overwatch (Figure 4-2).

(1) Methods of Platoon Bounding Overwatch.

(a) Method One. When platoons use bounding overwatch, one squad bounds and one squad overwatches; the third squad awaits orders. Forward observers stay with the overwatching squad to call for fire. Platoon leaders normally stay with the overwatching squad who use machine guns and attached weapons to support the bounding squad.

(b) Method Two. One squad use bounding overwatch and have the other two squads use traveling or traveling overwatch technique

[pic]

Figure 4-2. Platoon Bounding Overwatch

(2) Movement Considerations. When deciding where to move the bounding element, consider:

(a) Where the enemy is likely to be

(b) The mission

(c) The routes to the next overwatch position

(d) The weapons ranges of the overwatching unit

(e) The responsiveness of the rest of the unit

(f) The fields of fire at the next overwatch position

4-2. TACTICAL MARCHES. The Squadron conducts two types of marches with the company: foot marches and motor (road) marches.

a. Purpose/General. A successful foot march is when troops arrive at their destination at the prescribed time, physically able to execute their tactical mission. Keep in mind that a Ranger moves faster, further, and fights harder than any other soldier.

b. Standard.

(1) The unit crosses the start point and release point at the time specified in the order.

(2) The unit follows the prescribed route, rate of march, and interval without deviation unless required otherwise by enemy action or higher headquarters action.

c. Fundamentals.

(1) Effective control

(2) Detailed Planning

d. Considerations.

(1) METT-TC

(a) Mission- Task and Purpose

(b) Enemy- Intentions, Capabilities, and Course of Action

(c) Terrain and Weather- Road Condition/Trafficability, and visibility

(d) Troops/Equipment- Condition of soldiers and their load, number and types of weapons and radios.

(e) Time- Start time, release time, rate of march, time available

(f) Civilians- Movement through populated areas, refugees, OPSEC

(2) Task Organization.

(a) Headquarters- Command and Control

(b) Security- Advance and trail teams

(c) Main Body- Two remaining line squads and weapons squad

(3) Command and Control

(4) Control measures.

(a) Start point and release point (given by higher)

(b) Check Points- report to higher, utilize to remain oriented

(c) Rally or rendezvous points- utilized if elements become separated

(d) Location of Leaders- Where they can best control their elements

(f) Commo Plan- Location of radios, frequencies, call signs, and OPSKEDs

(g) Movement Techniques-

1. 3-5 meters day

2. 1-3 meters night

(h) March Order. May be issued as an OPORD, FRAGO, or Annex to either (must use operational overlay or strip map)

(i) Formations and order of movement

(j) Route of march- Assembly area, start point, release point, rally points, check points, break/halt points

(k) Start point time, release point time, and rate of march

(l) March interval for squads, teams and individuals

(m) Actions on enemy contact—air and ground

(n) Actions at halts

(o) Fires— detailed plan of fire support for the march

(p) Water supply plan

e. Duties and Responsibilities

(1) Platoon Leader:

(a) Before- Issue Warning Order, FRAGO, inspect, and supervise

(b) During- Makes SP time, ensures interval is maintained, maintains security, checks condition of men, enforces water discipline and field sanitation.

(c) After the March- Ensures men are prepared to accomplish their mission, supervises SLs, and ensures medical coverage is provided to men as needed

(2) Platoon Sergeant:

(a) Before- Assists PL, makes recommendations, and enforces uniform and packing lists

(b) During- Controls stragglers, assist platoon leader in maintaining proper interval and security

(c) At Halts- Enforces security, ensures welfare of men, enforces field sanitation

(d) After March- Coordinates for water, rations, and medical supplies. Recovers casualties

(3) Squad Leaders

(a) Before- Provides detailed instruction to TLs, inspects boots and socks for serviceability and proper fit, adjustment of equipment, full canteens, and equal distribution of loads.

(b) During- Controls squad, maintains proper interval between men and equipment, enforces security, and remains oriented.

(c) At Halts- Ensures security is maintained, provided men for water resupply as detailed. Physically checks the men in his squad, ensures they drink water, and change socks as necessary. Rotates heavy equipment.

(d) After March- Occupies squad sector of assembly area, conducts foot inspection and report condition of men to PL, prepares men for accomplishment of the mission.

(4) Security Squad:

(a) Lead Team- Point element for platoon, recon route to SP, call in check points, provide early warning, and maintain rate of march

(b) Move 10-20 meters in front of main body

(5) Medic: Assists platoon leadership in the assessment and treatment of march casualties. Advise the chain of command on the evacuation and transportation requirements of casualties

(6) Individual: Maintains interval, follows TLs examples, relays hand and arm signals, and remains alert during movement and at halts.

4-3. MOVEMENT DURING LIMITED VISIBILITY CONDITIONS. At night or when visibility is poor, a platoon must be able to function the same as during the day. It must be able to control, navigate maintain security, move and stalk at night or during limited visibility.

a. Control. When visibility is poor, the following methods aid in control.

(1) Use of night vision devices

(2) Leaders move closer to the front

(3) Platoon reduces speed

(4) Use of luminescent tape on equipment

(5) Reduce intervals between men and elements

(6) Headcounts conducted regularly

b. Navigation. To assist in navigation during limited visibility, leaders may use the following techniques:

(1) Terrain association

(2) Dead reckoning

(3) Resection

(4) Paralleling specific terrain features (handrail)

(5) Guides or marked routes

(6) GSR to guide units to link-ups

(7) Navigation computers

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